they usually call to remind you to add minutes. In the past the recharge call has came into the throw away phone as expected. However last evening the call to recharge the minutes came into my OTHER semi secure phone, vm audio & ringtone just as if it was my throw away!

WTF...anyone have an idea if my security has been compromised?  Thanks!

And I've NEVER redgestered one in my real name, infact, why even bother with a prepaid if you're going to link it back to your regular life??

Rutinely I buy the $19 cheap-ass virgin phone and a $90 top-up card, then I go to an internet-coffeehouse and creat a hushmail account with a made up name ("Ben Dover" for example)

Then I go to virgin's regester online page and fill out it out using the fake name and email and a made up adress (1234 Somewhere St. Minneapolis Mn.)with a zipcode tuned to where I'd like the prefix of the phone# to appear from(55401 is my favorite, since it produces a local prefix for where I like to hobby)

I used to need to provide a verification code back to virgin that was sent via the email, but their system has even dropped that now...

I set the account to minute-to-minute plan for .18$ per minute as there is no monthly charge on that option.

The reason I buy ONLY the $90 top-up card is because it will hold the account open for one year, whereas lessor amount cards will only hold the account for 3 months.

When I've used up the money, I toss the phone under the wheel of my car and smash it, and throw the pieces in the public trash and buy a new phone and start the cycle over...

It's worked flawlessly for years, and since I hobby completely anonymously it's kept me out of those nasty data-bases some providers like to create... (I've never had to verify with my identity in over twenty years of hobbying, and never will)








-- Modified on 1/11/2008 7:49:06 AM

Sounds like your Mobile is no longer Virgin.

I use a trac phone never registered under any name, no phone numbers or other info given-

have never had any problem

fake name, area code etc, used what I thought was a personal e-mail address.

Where do you get a Virgin Prepaid cell phone.  Also, how do you keep it charged as I doubt you would want to leave it in your car, home or office?

alternative. They may contact that #. Make sure you use a fake # or leave it blank @ signup. I had them delete it but I think I'll get another phone & set it up properly.

It may have been an Immaculate Connection.

You should pray for forgiveness on that one!!!

That is strange!  I have a privacy director on my house phone and at times when a private call comes in, I trace the number and try to call it from my cell.  Mysteriously, the cell plays a recording stating that I cannot dial the number because it was a blocked call from my home.

Have no clue how that ties in!

I too, use a hobby/provider phone for this business and my assistant has the option to forward me the calls from that throw away so that I may return them from a blocked number.

I wonder how secure anything is anymore!

I'd also add a few tips.

Use cash to purchase the phone as the ESN (Electronic Serial Number) of the phone could be traced via the UPC number when the phone was sold, and therefore back to you.

I stick with Virgin Mobile simply because they use the Sprint Network so coverage should not be a problem.

Certain "Electronic Dealers" will let you use their PCs on the floor to register your phone. While this might be handy it's best to go to some Internet cafe or library to use their PC as Ben suggested.

To avoid unexpected calls keep the phone turned off. If you have an "SO" and run the risk of having it found, I'd also remove the battery. Someone with a high curiousity might be tempted to use the phone to see who's been called or has called. A friend of mine scratched a ficticious name on the phone just for that purpose. "I found it!"

Since this topic has come up so often I wonder if it doesn't deserve a place in the "Newbie" section?

Also, I ONLY PAY CASH for the phone, and especially the top-up cards, since they need to be scanned in to the zon-network in order to be activated (hence not being able to be shoplifted and used)

the phone - run a big strong magnet over the pieces several times and if you want to be even safer than that - then pour gas on it and melt everything together.  Yes some of those little pieces can be picked up and read by someone with the proper motivation and equipment.

That's strange.....

Mine only texts me that I have to re-load more minutes on it

Perhaps contact Customer Service
They are pretty good at helping
at least when I needed it!

I love Virgin Mobile.....great service!